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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Do I have a cock lodger?

204 replies

lodgeofthec · 29/01/2025 19:34

Name changed for this.

Live with DP and 4 DC (2 each).

Both work full time, me employed. Him self employed. Business is always kind of up and down, sometimes good, sometimes average. Sometimes not so great. This means on occasions I foot the bill for our outgoings which then come back 'later' usually by the end of the month but not always.

Covid times were down to me as he got pretty much £0 income then as what his business relies on was closed. It was rough but it is what it is.

However the past 4 months or so there was talk of starting a new business cause what he does is kind of phasing out. I think it was partly this and partly boredom and wanting to do something new/something he thought would be better long term. There wasn't however any talk about money changing during this time. So for the last 3 months I have basically paid everything. When I've brought it up he simply says it'll come and he can't give me what's not there. Ok but how am I supposed to pay the bills?

We have an agreed expenditure which accounts for our 2 incomes. Paying 50/50 Not just mine!

To add to this he has his own arrangements with his kids mum that he tells me about but I don't really know and suspect he pays the majority plus extras, I'm not saying the exes should be missing out but he's telling me he has nothing so I'm getting nothing so essentially paying for 6 people when he's still paying for them away from our home.

I don't know how long this situation is going to go on for. He keeps telling me it'll be better in 2-3 weeks etc then that times comes and nothing.

On top of this I am working full time myself and doing the bulk of house chores so he can work extra to get this money coming in that never seems to come. He's bad with money and I think if you are self
Employed you should save to cover these times and he hasn't.

When things have been good we have done things, gone out for food. He's bought me things and he's always got bits for the kids through a work thing that's saved me a lot of money, but also I wouldn't buy new/as much if I had to pay so can't really compare like for like.

I'm starting to really resent this arrangement. We also have a pet which I am doing 99% of the work for. He counts watching it in the day his share (sometimes I am there too as I WFH sometimes) so this isn't daily, I walk/feed/sort food/vets etc etc
On top of this he is still married to his ex, divorce is initiated but only because I insisted (wish I hadn't bothered). But I can't see it being finalised as - no money and no motivation to. Only silver lining is because of these things house etc is in my name.

Just wanted some outside opinions on this as I am feeling really taken for granted at the minute and it's causing huge problems.

OP posts:
murasaki · 29/01/2025 19:36

Well if the house is yours he needs to move out. And take his kids. I bet he'll find some.money then.

coxesorangepippin · 29/01/2025 19:37

Sounds like it, yes

coxesorangepippin · 29/01/2025 19:37

On top of this he is still married to his ex

^

Ah

Loubelou71 · 29/01/2025 19:38

He doesn't sound great. He sounds like he's taking advantage and not pulling his weight. I think he needs to be able to make a regular contribution and if not then find somewhere else to live.

pinkyredrose · 29/01/2025 19:39

Why did he move into your house? Do you know why his marriage ended?

AgnesX · 29/01/2025 19:39

It sounds like you're carrying the entire weight of your household.

If he's still paying to his wife it's not fair. You need to sit down and have a sensible conversation. If you can't do that you have a bigger problem (and again it sounds like you do).

Dror · 29/01/2025 19:39

You work full time, do all the chores, and pay your boyfriend and his offspring to live with you? Robbing your kids of your time and money, just to have some bloke around.

Er... Why?

Ragruggers · 29/01/2025 19:40

If you are paying all the bills and the house is in your name tell him to go then claim single person CT.He is never going to pay his way get your life back.I wish you well.

veraswaistcoat · 29/01/2025 19:40

You have been with this guy then for at least 5 years? He is still married and he doesn't pay his way and often you support him? You know this doesn't make sense for you. Time to get rid of this freeloader.

kate1277 · 29/01/2025 19:41

Yes.

He'd soon find a better job or some money if he had to fund his life himself and needed to put a roof over his head and food on the table... guarantee it

Loopytiles · 29/01/2025 19:41

Oh dear.

MissConductUS · 29/01/2025 19:41

If you have to ask if he's a cock lodger...

😂

Blue278 · 29/01/2025 19:47

Well. Yes. He is free to prioritise doing a job he fancies and support his children because good old you takes care of the boring stuff.

The biggest red flag is that he hasn’t recognised your contribution by taking on at LEAST his share of the shit work while he can’t pay his way. He’s taking you for granted.

Bills need paying even if income is sporadic.

Do you have his two full time?

Gloriainextremis · 29/01/2025 19:48

He is seriously taking advantage of you, yes. He and his kids are basically getting free board and lodgings while he lives his pipe dream of his own business. Dreams don't pay bills. You need to give him an ultimatum I think. Either he starts contributing a reasonable share to household bills or he will have to find somewhere else to live.

sometimesmovingforwards · 29/01/2025 19:49

I’m failing to see the attraction…

I guess you must be desperate to be in any relationship rather than not?

Bananalanacake · 29/01/2025 19:50

You have no children together so why live together? have a relationship living separately, was it his idea to move in so he could sponge off you.

TomatoSandwiches · 29/01/2025 19:53

Does a bear shit in the woods?

Billyblue47 · 29/01/2025 20:06

No one lives for free.

YourWildAmberSloth · 29/01/2025 20:07

Do you really need to ask if you are being taken for granted OP? Seriously? You are being used. You don't say how long you've been together, but you have children to protect and support. Why subject them and yourself to this. The fact that he is still married and is in no rush to finalise the divorce, makes it even worse.

TwistedWonder · 29/01/2025 20:07

He’s taking the piss. You’re bankrolling him plus his kids with money you could be using to treat your own DC.

And he’s still married??

It’s your house OP and yes he is a cocklodger with a couple of extra mini freeloaders. Has he no shame?

Miaowzabella · 29/01/2025 20:14

He's living the dream isn't he?

moggiek · 29/01/2025 20:14

Yes, you have. Get rid of him!

Olika · 29/01/2025 20:18

He is taking the piss.

Ppzd · 29/01/2025 20:18

Jesus fucking Christ! And, he's still married with the ex? God, get rid! This guy is robbing you of your time, your energy, your home, your money, your joys in life... what does he bring you?

TheseCalmSeas · 29/01/2025 20:24

Sounds like you’ve accidentally adopted a man baby AND he’s married to someone else!

Get the heck outta there